t4rboy

According to the FSM this is called the "VTEC solenoid." The part stores here have no idea what that is. I know that it is leaking oil and needs new gaskets but I cant get them until I have an idea of what its called. Its is on a 97 civic ex with the tec motor. it is located on the head near the intake passenger side. Does anyone know what it is and what it does?

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

its the vtec solenoid. the top head piece is the actual solenoid, the bottom is the valve. they work as one unit but can be dismantled to change gaskets. i would just go thru honda for them. the lil sensor on the side is the oil pressure switch.

lazlong

#11 and #21: http://www.hondapartscheap.com/south...t=0&quantity=0

Kennykid2002

iTrader: (1)

Never thought the solenoid gasket would ever need replacing...but meh
Just clean the filter while ur at it

gearbox

iTrader: (95)

there are two rubber gaskets, and one has a built in wire screen which can clog or the gasket shrinks.

t4rboy

Thanks for the help with what it is now what does it do? I'm do all my own wrenching but mainly on toyota 4x4s. cars arn't my thing. I know all about oil pressure switches but why the vtec soleniod?

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

they are part of the system that activates the v-tec (oil pressure, besides the electronic parts) - failure there will throw a engine check light.

lazlong

When the ECM/PCM reads WOT and oil pressure at a certain level it activates the solenoid and changes to the larger cam lobe. Basically it gives you about 15 more hp from about 3000rpm to about redline when you floor it.

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

15 ponies?!?
Wow! It doubles the WHP?!?

t4rboy

So basically honda decidsed instead of doing a better grind on there cam they would make things more complicated

sdaidoji

iTrader: (1)

EX is econo car, and actually have these 15 HP, much better than the lower trims.
The Si gets the real V-TEC but you pay for it too